The Swineherd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "The Swineherd" |
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| Author | Hans Christian Andersen |
| Original title | "Svinedrengen" |
| Country | Denmark |
| Language | Danish |
| Genre(s) | Literary fairy tale |
| Published in | Fairy Tales Told for Children (Eventyr fortalte for Børn) |
| Publication type | Fairy tale collection |
| Publisher | C. A. Reitzel |
| Media type | |
| Publication date | 20 December 1841 |
| Published in English | 1846 in A Danish Storybook |
"The Swineherd" is a classic fairy tale. It was written by the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The story was first published on December 20, 1841. It appeared in a collection called Fairy Tales Told for Children. This tale seems to be an original idea from Andersen. However, other stories about proud princesses learning a lesson exist. One example is "King Thrushbeard" by the Brothers Grimm. "The Swineherd" has been made into different art forms. These include ballet and opera.
Contents
The Swineherd Story Summary
This fairy tale tells the story of a prince. He is not rich but has a kind heart. He wants to marry a proud princess.
The Prince's Gifts
The prince sends two special gifts to the princess. One gift is a beautiful, real rose. It smells wonderful. The other gift is a nightingale. This bird sings the most amazing songs. The princess and her ladies-in-waiting do not like these simple gifts. They want something fancy and artificial.
The Prince's Disguise
The prince is sad that his gifts were rejected. He decides to try something different. He dresses up as a simple swineherd. A swineherd is someone who takes care of pigs. He gets a job at the princess's palace.
Magical Inventions
The prince, disguised as the swineherd, is very clever. He invents two magical items.
The Musical Rattle
First, he makes a wonderful rattle. This rattle can play every single tune in the world. The princess hears about it and wants it. She offers the swineherd ten kisses for the rattle. He agrees, and she gives him the kisses.
The Magical Pot
Next, the swineherd creates a magical pot. This pot can tell its owner what everyone in town is cooking. The princess finds out about this amazing pot. She wants it even more than the rattle. She offers the swineherd one hundred kisses for the pot. He agrees again, and she kisses him many times.
The Emperor's Anger
The princess's father, the Emperor, sees her kissing the swineherd. He is very angry and disgusted. He cannot believe his daughter would kiss a swineherd for simple toys. He decides to punish her. The Emperor throws both the princess and the swineherd out of the palace.
The Prince's True Feelings
Once outside, the prince washes his face. He takes off his disguise. The princess sees that he is the prince she rejected. She is very upset and starts to cry. The prince tells her that he is also disgusted. He explains that she did not value his real gifts. Instead, she kissed a swineherd for toys. He closes the door on her. The princess is left outside, sad and singing.
See also
In Spanish: El porquerizo para niños
